Robert M. Rodriguez

Robert age 86, was married for 67 years to his beautiful wife Ernestine. He's survived by 6 children, Robert Jr. (Veronica), Ernie (Vicky), Denise Boselli (Rick), Arnold (Josy), Stan (Teri), Marty (Shelley), 17 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren. Our Dad, Robert Rodriguez, was fun loving, energetic, loved his family and was the hardest working person I've ever known. He grew up in a household of 12 kids, he was the youngest boy and was raised pretty much by his older siblings. He went to work on a beet farm at a young age with his siblings. He was so young at first, so they put him under a tree while they worked. (they may or may not have had to tie him up to stay put). His parents were pretty non-existent from a very young age and he learned to fend for himself and work for everything he got. He loved cars and was always able to have a new car. His first car was a 53 Olds 98 convertible. Our parents got married in July 1, 1956 (19) in Denver and lived in Platteville for several years. His first job was at the Foundry in Denver and he went on to driving a cab and then drove a freight delivery truck. He tried driving cross country but didn’t like to be away from his family. He wasn’t afraid of hard work. He always had two jobs and eagerly picked up side jobs. He wasn’t afraid to try a new career. He worked hard to provide for our family. We never went without. Thank you for all your hard work dad. He always loved music. He insisted that we learn to play an instrument as soon as we were old enough while in elementary school. He always wanted us to practice, no matter how bad we sounded! There would be times when we just didn’t want to practice and complained. His reply was “What are you crying about? I’ll give you something to cry about.” We’d come home and he’d be playing mariachi music or jazz music and of course dancing. He loved Herb Alpert. One day not so long ago, we were sitting together on the couch and he wasn’t responding much to me. So I picked up my phone and played some Herb Albert and the look he gave me was priceless! The biggest smile crossed his face, I could see the memories flooding back! It was precious. Dad loved to dance! He would always take my mom out to the dance floor, (in fact, that is how they met, at a dance)! He was a dancing machine! We have great memories dancing at weddings with him. Thank you for teaching us the love of music. Dad never missed a chance to get together with his family. If there was a “Gathering” he was there. We loved it! A chance to visit with our cousins and watch our parents enjoy their siblings. It would be hours of just hanging around. Everyone would bring food and just visit. My parents have been parishioners at Ave Maria before the church was built. They lead a very faith filled life and shared their love of Jesus and his teachings with us. Thank you dad for all the love and laughter and guidance you gave us all. We’ll miss you. Rest In Peace "In Lieu of flowers", please donate to your favorite charity.